DENVER (April 22, 2016) – Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) officially launched the long awaited A Line today, connecting the country’s sixth busiest airport to downtown Denver. The new A Line, an electric commuter rail, now offers a convenient link between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Denver Union Station, the city’s historic urban transportation hub.

“World class tourism destinations offer world class public transportation for their visitors,” said Richard Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Denver offers a stellar public transportation network, and this addition really helps to bring our city to the next level by connecting our airport directly to our compact, walkable downtown with convenience and value.”

By opting for the new $9 train ride, visitors now can travel at 79 MPH to cover the distance between downtown Denver and the airport, which is the sixth busiest in the United States and 19th busiest globally.

“The opening of the University of Colorado A Line is a historic milestone toward the completion of RTD’s FasTracks program and continues our success rate of opening major infrastructure projects,” said General Manager and CEO of RTD, Dave Genova. “We continue to transform the region and the University of Colorado A Line will connect the Denver metro area to the world.”

Once downtown, visitors will find one of the most walkable urban areas in the country that offers a wide variety of alternative transportation methods, including the free MallRide on Denver’s pedestrian 16th St. Mall, the free downtown MetroRide, ample pedicabs and B-cycle, Denver’s bike share program with 700 bikes at more than 80 stations (and more than 85 miles of urban bike trails on which to ride them) along with a growing network of protected bike lanes. Downtown Denver offers a wide variety of chef-driven dining options, dozens of craft breweries, three sports stadiums, the second largest performing arts complex in the U.S., an assortment of art and history museums, the country’s only downtown theme and water park and a world-class aquarium, all within a very small radius.